M2 June 2018 - LATEST ISSUE!
What? Bowers & Wilkins Noise Cancelling Headphones
Don’t you just want to shut out the noisy world sometimes? Just popping on a pair of headphones seems like the only escape. Introducing the greatest innovation of noise-cancelling headphones on the market to date. Bowers & Wilkins has always been the top of the range when it comes to head pieces you can listen...
Degrees Of Success
There’s a popular story that runs around online begging for your valuable clicks that goes along the lines of “13 Highly Successful People Who Never Graduated College”. It has a certain stick-it-to-the-man glint about it. Cheating the system to make it to the top by forging your own path while avoiding a ton of debt...
The Vacuum Cleaning Robot
Voted the number one vacuum cleaner in the United States, the iRobot Roomba can vacuum the entirety of a house all by itself in mere minutes. Cleaning up at home is most definitely a chore if ever there was one. But now it just got a hell of a lot easier. Complete with a three-stage...
Al Brown’s Casual Guide To Success
While Al Brown has run a silver service restaurant before, he sees New Zealand’s unique “Ace Card” in our informal, no-fuss style. Just good food, good company and style that celebrates true New Zealand. It’s a philosophy that Al and his team put into books, events, Restaurants, Depot and Federal Deli and the Best Ugly...
M2 Style - Powered by BOSS
Man’s Best Friend?
A “Man’s Best Friend” should provide a straightforward and effortless way to take care of your skin right? Bulldog Skincare is Man-Made for Men. The British brand was created and launched in 2007 by Simon Duffy and is now sold in 15 countries around the world. The word ‘simple’ perfectly encapsulates the philosophy of the […]
Nike x Kim Jones
Ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup, Kim Jones, former style director of Louis Vuitton and current artistic director of Dior Homme, has collaborated with Nike to create “Football Reimagined”. This is the second current collaboration that Nike is delivering with a designer that has heavy streetwear influences, the other of which is […]
Justin Cassin – Australian Fashion Week
When Justin Cassin debuted his first full collection at the same fashion week last year we saw a moody, predominantly dark colour scheme for Resort 2018. This year, we saw a transition from the gloom to a controlled use of colour with the same “relaxed sophistication” that the brand is known to radiates. Justin Cassin […]
Blair Archibald – Australian Fashion Week
With his debut at the 2018 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia show, Blair Archibald has proven that his eponymous brand is going to become a trailblazer in a time when menswear appears to be overcrowded with loud logos and gaudy casual wear. Archibald was raised in rural New Zealand and after graduating with first-class honours moved […]
PEAK PERFORMANCE
The One To Watch – Opie Bosson
Opie Bosson Reins Supreme In The Twilight Of His Career In a sports world obsessed and put into context by statistics, the phenomenal haul of veteran Kiwi jockey Opie Bosson has to be studied twice to truly appreciate. In a 23 year career in the ruthless racing industry, the 37 year old has amassed over...
Train like an Athlete – The Winter Edition
Some of us hibernate in winter, but Jossi Wells thrives. A professional free skier, competing at the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games and taking home gold at the 2016 X-Games, he is one to watch. Wells’ usually busy training schedule has freed up recently due to an injury so we take the opportunity to talk about...
Train like an Athlete – The Climber Edition
Few of us can even begin to imagine clinging to the side of a more than vertical cliff-face and inching your way higher and higher until eventually clambering over the cusp: rock climbing definitely isn’t for the faint hearted. We talk to Joe Ward; the New Zealand Alpine Club National Boulder Series champion about the...
Going For Gold – David Bishop
Ex-engineering student, sport fanatic and skilled gymnast, David Bishop is a perfect example of someone who emulates the good ol’ Kiwi spirit. He has a can-do attitude, that lovable personality and the type of ability any sportsman would love to encompass. He is a medal-winning gymnast, fitness coach, and with some big competitions coming up,...
Health
Comvita – Manuka Honey
More than just your favourite spread, if you are unaware of the benefits of manuka honey, then you have clearly not been listening to us share about its health benefits recently. So, we’ll say it again… listen up, and take notes. In 1974, Comvita® founders Claude Stratford and Alan Bougen believed in the power of nature. Four...
Health News – December 2017
It’s getting to that time of the year where people are starting to make their resolutions, so get a jump-start on yours with these essentials. Adidas X David Beckham Have you ever heard of the ‘runner’s high’? That rush of endorphins? That feeling of invincibility when running? Imagine getting that runner’s high whilst running on...
Riding the Winning Cycle
In being content with the rugged terrain of New Zealand’s beautiful biking tracks, a cross-country cyclist yearns for a good challenge. With an ever-changing landscape, the mixture of adrenaline and dust, the heat of metal and the whizz of turning wheels, the testament of the racer is most definitely in the skill of the riding....
So You Think You’re Healthy? Health Concerns Of The 40 Year Old
As much as we don’t want to admit it, we 40-plus guys have been using the classic cliché for years: “Kids, everything you’ve done (whether it be partying hard, drinking or drugs), your dads have done it all before.” And now, from a health perspective, we are starting to pay the price for those experiences!...
Man on the Street
Man On The Street – Justin Haiu
Age: 37 Occupation: Entertainer/Theatre Practitioner What’s your morning routine? The alarm goes off, I take a moment to be inspired by the world, then I think about the day ahead. I sneak out of the room (as not to wake my wife and baby daughter), I get my son up and get him ready for...
Man On The Street – Zain Edinberry
Age: 24 Occupation: Architectural Technician What’s your morning routine? Wake up, go to the gym. Head to work and drink enough coffee to keep me going for the rest of the day. What’s the top three things on your bucket list? See the sunrise in a hot air balloon. Scubadive in the deep sea. Design...
Man On The Street – Robert Hughes
Age: 33 Occupation: Head of Supply Chain at My Food Bag What’s your morning routine? Hit “snooze” once (or twice), feed the dog then shower and off to work. What are the top three things on your bucket list? Swim with Sharks (without a cage) which im doing in Hawaii in September. Kayak with Orca in...
Man On The Street – Henry Beasley
When your life is full of writing, acting, producing AND being the lead singer of a band, you’re bound to have something interesting to say. Henry Beasley takes a few minutes with M2 to discuss life, success and motivation in this edition of Man On The Street: Age: 24 Occupation: Writer, actor, producer and...
Wild
Walk on the Wild Side
Expressionist American photographer, Aaron Siskind once said: ‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…’ We bring you the iconic shots from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, developed and produced by the National History Museum, London. Capturing the most magical parts of...
Surgeons of the Sea
Free Willy vs Jaws… who wins? Hollywood has altered our expectations about how this sort of apex predator duel would go down. Unless you spend more time watching documentaries than old movies on VHS, then the answer isn’t so clear. The biggest great white sharks can measure six metres long, weigh more than 2200 kilograms...
11 Deadliest Animals on the Planet, And How to Survive Them
The animal kingdom is a strange and wonderful place. From architects to mimes, assassins to philanderers, each animal has its own niche, a role and place. While we regularly encounter cats, dogs, birds and bugs, our chances of seeing dangerous animals are usually limited to visiting the zoo or watching The Discovery Channel. But while...
Behind The Lens: Open Ocean
The thought of delving into the deep and getting face-to-face with some of the world’s biggest and deadliest beasts is not something everyone can face. But it is a different story for underwater videographer and adrenaline junkie, Steve Hathaway. Fascinated about life under the surface, M2 dove straight in when the opportunity arose to talk...
Snow
Climbing The Podium: Kiwis at the Winter Paralympics
The Winter Games, both Olympic and Paralympic, usually pass with minimal mention down under, but in the case of the compact Kiwi Paralympian team heading to South Korea this March, there’s reason to take notice. For a global event that is heavily dominated by northern hemisphere athletes, New Zealand participants more than hold their own....
STEF ZEESTRATEN: HALFPIPE HEDONIST
From one of the flattest countries in the world, to the sharp ascents of the Southern Alps, Dutch-born Stef Zeestraten has, as is his wont, carved a name for himself in New Zealand snowboarding folklore. Throughout his 17-year competitive career that saw him peak at 47th in the world in 2008, Zeestraten has followed the serious...
The Mazda SKI-ACTIV Experience
I vividly remember the first time I actually put skis on and hit (quite literally) the snow. I was in my late teens and full of bravado; I headed to the top of the chairlift, strapped on two planks of wood and shot down the slope – straight into a tree. The sensation was both...
New Zealand Snow Guide 2017
With a cold blast hitting much of New Zealand earlier than expected, ski fields the length of the country have been able to open with bonus time to spare. Seasoned snow bunnies know their spots on both islands, but for those looking to venture out and experience new terrain and thrills, where do you go...
Leadership
Origin Of Growth
Nick Cowper joined coffee roasters, Hummingbird as a 16-yearold the day after his parents’ purchased the business in 2000. 18 years later, he is the GM of a company that has a global network of coffee growers with a focus on fair trade and community growth around suppliers, a company that has gone through equity...
Industry In Site
Over the past few years, we have seen a huge jump in the level of innovation, experience and concepts within the hospitality industry in this part of the world. No longer do we have to jump on a plane to get unique and exciting hospitality experiences. We are creating world-class cafes, restaurants, hotels and developments...
The Chair: Rob Campbell
Over the last 30 years Rob Campbell is on the board of some of our largest companies across our largest industries. Currently Chair of Summerset Group Holdings (NZ) and WEL Energy, and a director of SKYCITY Entertainment Group and Precinct Properties as well a director of or advisor to a number of hedge and private...
MARKET LEADER: The driving force behind the real estate evolution
Brendon Skipper’s role as CEO of New Zealand’s No.1 property site, realestate.co.nz, draws on more than 20 years of experience across sales and marketing, property, IT and telecommunications, but he is quick to point out that the CEO role is one that doesn’t come with a manual. Could you describe a standard day for yourself?...
Gadgets
Sony’s New TV Emanates Sound Through the Screen Itself
Late in July Sony revealed its highly-anticipated BRAVIA OLED television (A1 series) in New Zealand as it began rolling out into stores. By combining the superior picture quality of OLED with the 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme, the A1 series offers the world’s very first in-screen sound system in a large screen TV. Taking advantage of...
The Modern Day Space Race
The solar system we occupy is a fascinating place, that’s for certain – nine planets that glow as beacons and an uncountable infinity of stars. Beginning in the late 1950s, a race pitted capitalist America against communist Soviet Union to see who was superior with their space technology. The Soviets took the lead by launching...
The Sunrise Smart Pillow
You know how you went to sleep on your dumb pillow last night and thought to yourself “I wish my pillow could double as an artificial sun and also play bluetooth music”? well today your dreams have become reality. The Sunrise Smart Pillow has successfully smashed its targets on Kickstarter as the consumer tech crowd...
BOSE Introduces Tiny New Bluetooth Speaker
Bose has just introduced the SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker, its small but rugged portable speaker. It Measures just 9.5cms wide and deep, 3.8cms high, and weighing a mere 290 grams.. Tested beyond its IPX7 waterproof rating, the Micro lets you enjoy music, take and make calls, and access Siri or your Google Assistant The Micro is packed...
Mandate
Sophia The Robot
If history repeats itself, then science fiction is some sort of weird self-fulfilling prophecy. For those of you who have watched Terminator 2, you will be well aware of the eerie impending doom that is Facebook… excuse me, Skynet. We create films warning us of the dangers of advanced AI and robotics and what do...
Polling the Nation
We took to social media for your opinions on these hot topics PETA Campaign comes from left field A PETA campaign featuring Alicia Silverstone puts shearing sheep into the spotlight for being what they think is unethical. “This is quite frankly ridiculous and another predictable example of what PETA resort to when they seek attention...
Amazon Goes Green Spheres
Kindle, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Prime, Amazon Go, Alexa. Amazon are ever the innovators and that’s not even considering the behemoth that is their online shopping platform. And, with CEO Jeff Bezos firmly set as the richest person on the planet with a net worth of $120.5 billion (USD), Amazon have decided to celebrate their...
The Petrol Head Fix – The Grand Tour Season 2 On Amazon Prime
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May work together like a finely tuned, umm, err…supercar, and if you’ve been missing your fix from the beastly petrolhead triumvirate, The Grand Tour returns for Season 2 on Amazon Prime, with the boys back with their classic high-octane wit and shenanigans. Springboarding off the success of Season 1,...
Design
NZ Architect wins German Design Award
It sits there in the heart of Auckland’s Titirangi. A corrugated beating heart surrounded by native bush with the warbling sing-song of Tui and Kereru as the soundtrack. While you might think that the seclusion of West Auckland’s native bush would mask the design mastery of “Red House”, it employs the opposite effect, so much...
Amazon Goes Green Spheres
Kindle, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Prime, Amazon Go, Alexa. Amazon are ever the innovators and that’s not even considering the behemoth that is their online shopping platform. And, with CEO Jeff Bezos firmly set as the richest person on the planet with a net worth of $120.5 billion (USD), Amazon have decided to celebrate their...
PassivDom: 3D printed houses fit for any apocalypse or housing crisis
Housing Crisis. Did you feel that? That’s the sense of uneasiness, the power of two words that divided nation during election season. Let’s slice right through that however and take a look at PassivDom, a Ukrainian homebuilding start-up that uses 3D printing to construct slick, independent modular houses. Building a house is not just a...
Star Wars Laser Battle Drone
Propel (the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of radio-controlled devices) has recently released a new toy on the market, launching gaming and high-tech droning into the next galaxy. With The Last Jedi having hit the big screen last month, and more themed merchandise arriving on shelves around the country, Star Wars-mania is well and truly...
Deep Dives
The Modern Day Space Race
The solar system we occupy is a fascinating place, that’s for certain – nine planets that glow as beacons and an uncountable infinity of stars. Beginning in the late 1950s, a race pitted capitalist America against communist Soviet Union to see who was superior with their space technology. The Soviets took the lead by launching...
Who Is Using Your Data?
Zuckerberg: Yeah so if you ever need info about anyone at Harvard Just ask. I have over 4,000 emails, pictures, addresses, SNS [Redacted Friend’s Name]: What? How’d you manage that one? Zuckerberg: People just submitted it. I don’t know why. They “trust me”. Zuckerberg: Dumb f**ks. This was an ironically leaked series of messages between...
All Hail Our Secret Government
It’s a golden time for lobbyists at the moment. We’ve just had a change in government and that means it’s time for everything to change, come what may. Duh, it has to – as the last guys obviously got every single thing wrong! But there’s a slight problem in that, aside from a couple of...
The Fight For Gender Diversity – An Ad Man’s POV
So, a high-powered panel of female leaders featuring Theresa Gattung, Justine Smyth, Tracey Cross, Naomi Ballantyne and Linda Meade were at the M2woman Journey to Excellence forum recently. I think it’s fair to say that the gist of their forum was; “we want moregender equality in the workplace! Now, dammit! Now!” Huh? Is this really...
Cover Stories
Double Edged: The Return of Blade Runner
We’re treading on hallowed ground now. We all knew that one day Hollywood’s rummaging hand would light upon a classic like Blade Runner. They’ve already made the right first move by not rebooting everything from scratch. The second move they need to make is far more nuanced. Just a little background for readers who are...
Charlie Hunnam, Making of A Legend
You’ve likely heard of the legendary King Arthur and the extraction of the enchanted sword, Excalibur, from the stone, but who on earth is Charlie Hunnam? Sons of Anarchy fans will know the English actor as bikie, Jackson ‘Jax’ Teller, and women wish they knew him, as he was one of the original picks for...
Eddie Redmayne – The Real Fantastic Beast
I try my best to avoid cliche, but there’s this famous quote that goes, “if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life”. While normally I would lump that quote in with gems such as “live, laugh, love” and “keep calm and carry on”, I feel like using...
The Good, The Bad And The Loki
A couple of years back I took a paper called “Celebrity Cultures” as part of my Post-Grad. In between the discussions around topics such as the role of paparazzi, fandom, and the power of endorsement, “Persona” was a recurring key concept. Meaning “Mask” in Latin, the persona is essentially a socially constructed image that others...
Success
The Remai Modern
Canada’s culture scene has recently welcomed the $95 million dollar modern art museum – the Remai Modern. We were proud to see it fronted by New Zealand CEO Gregory Burke, former CEO of New Plymouth’s Govett‑Brewster and many other prestigious galleries. I caught up with Burke to talk success, design and the challenges he faces with...
The Importance Of Creating Original Content
If content is king, original content is the Holy Grail. In today’s marketplace, your customers are screaming for exciting, engaging and entertaining original content. How important is creating original content? Well take a look at the world of video streaming. There is now an arms race between the likes of Apple, Netflix and Amazon to...
18 Ways to be a Better Man
Being a man doesn’t just mean being macho. Being a better man means wanting to develop the qualities of inner strength, confidence, having moral qualities, possessing honesty and integrity and being a positive example. A better man wants to be courageous and bold, challenged and to feel a sense of contribution. Here’s our list of...
MARKET LEADER: The driving force behind the real estate evolution
Brendon Skipper’s role as CEO of New Zealand’s No.1 property site, realestate.co.nz, draws on more than 20 years of experience across sales and marketing, property, IT and telecommunications, but he is quick to point out that the CEO role is one that doesn’t come with a manual. Could you describe a standard day for yourself?...
Amazing Photos
Long Live The Silver Screen
Think about the magic and excitement of driving up to a local parking lot, ready to watch the latest feature film in the comfort of your own car. The light from the projector beams a dancing stream of images onto the giant screen ahead, while kids laugh and play beneath the screen. American-based photographer Lindsey...
In The Moment
A magical moment can be so fleeting, and we don’t always have the right equipment to capture it. Smartphone technology is developing extremely fast, and Apple has always had a strong focus on enabling us to have an incredible camera just sitting in our back pocket. In celebration of the incredible imagery people have captured...
The Art Of Fakery
Austrian photographer Gregor Sailer is a changer of landscapes, and a tricker of minds. Photographs in his latest series, The Potemkin Village, strike a sense of confusion… but not everything is as it may seem. While growing up in Tyrol, Austria, Gregor Sailer started taking snaps at a young age and has not stopped...
Rebuilding a Nation
It was 2.45pm on March 11, 2011; everything was normal for Japan’s 127 million residences. It was one of the first days of spring and the air was still crisp, and there was no real hint of the chilling events about to strike the nation. The 9.0 magnitude quake hit at 2.46pm JST, and it...
Sport
NBA Finals Come To The Pointy End
It’s gearing up again to be another chapter in an ESPN mistyeyed documentary but it’s likely LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers will be up against the star laden Golden State Warriors for the fourth straight year. This is the dynasty effect that is almost exclusive to the NBA that has scores of rivalries dating...
Kane Williamson – New Zealand’s Greatest In Waiting
Becoming New Zealand’s greatest-ever batsman is a matter of how soon and not if for Black Caps Captain, Kane Williamson. Comparisons are often made in the game of cricket because of the importance of statistics, and the diminutive run machine is not only on an autobahn to overtake late legend Martin Crowe’s records, but he...
New Zealand Snow Guide 2017
With a cold blast hitting much of New Zealand earlier than expected, ski fields the length of the country have been able to open with bonus time to spare. Seasoned snow bunnies know their spots on both islands, but for those looking to venture out and experience new terrain and thrills, where do you go...
Sports News – February 2018
Tweaked Super Rugby season set for another trial The ever evolving (or is it revolving) Super Rugby competition has had another makeover for 2018 and once again, the same story-lines exist. Can the Blues make the semifinals like they always predict and expected to do? Will the Crusaders make the final again and what new...
Bucket List Experiences
Rising Dawn
It’s still pitch black when our alarms go off – 4.15am to be exact. Despite the early morning start, it’s easy to offset my drowsy, zombie-like mind with the sheer excitement of what’s on the agenda for today. While our time in New South Wales’ premier wine region, Hunter Valley, had so far consisted of...
11 Most Dangerous Sports
Here are some of the more dangerous activities you could attempt if 1 – you are crazy seriously crazy, 2 – you like to live (or die) on the edge, 3 – you still have insurance cover for your particular dangerous sport and 4 – you believe what you are doing will cure the hiccups....
War Rages On
After nearly 40 years and countless trips to the battle zones of Afghanistan, American photographer Steve McCurry has finally finished his latest body of work and book, Afghanistan… and it is nothing short of incredible. In-between living in New York and spending time at his holiday home, McCurry has spent a large part of his career...
Destination Du Jour – Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
Greeted by hectares of lush tropical gardens with the ocean in sight, and lagoon pools beckoning in a shimmering blue, the magical holiday atmosphere is unmistakable at the Sheraton Grand Mirage. A swim-up bar serving cocktails in glasses the size of a fishbowl is just one of the reasons that this five-star resort is ideal...
Man Made
Simple Pleasures – The new CX-5 Launch
Let’s face it, modern everyday life can be pretty busy. Between the necessity of work and the demands that come with family and friends, there seems to be so much pressure to do things. Time appears to be going by so fast (even speeding up) and very little of it is spent metaphorically speaking ‘silently...
Uber In The Sky – Volocopter
The race to monopolize a niche is something you’ll consistently see in business, and right now, the race to become the first to offer flying taxis has seen names like NASA, Uber, Airbus and Boeing enter the foray in the hopes to get passengers in the sky first. One name that has been working hard...
Summer Of Sport – Motorsport That Is
With the Laser Plumbing & Electrical HD 500 beginning to disappear in the rear view mirror, all eyes at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park are now focused on the summer. And with track days, driver training days, drift days and epic events such as Mad Mike’s Summer Bash and 4Guys Autobarn Legends of Bathurst, what a...
Alfa Romeo Giulia – An Italian Renaissance
There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind about the love that surrounds Alfa Romeo. Despite, or maybe even because of, its faults and quirkiness, it’s a brand that inspires great passion and desire. Of course, that’s not without just cause: both design and performance are there with abundance. Mind you, it’s fair to say that...
Entertainment
That’s Electric – James Bay
English singer/songwriter James Bay is back with a new haircut, sound and album. Electric Light is set to drop on May 18 and it’s steering away from the acoustic sound he established on his previous record. Bay has ditched the guitar in favor of a more atmospheric sound featuring electronic beats. Drawing inspirations from artists...
Must Watch Movies List – July 2017
After a month of big movies like Wonder Woman and Transformers: The Last Knight, July shows no signs of slowing the tempo. Marvel keeps the pace with its next step in the Marvel Universe with Spiderman, while War for the Planet of the Apes brings the third movie in the Apes Trilogy. But the question...
Films To See This March
Death Of Stalin In cinemas March 15 Steve Buscemi (Pulp Fiction, Boardwalk Empire) stars in this political satire as Nikita Khrushchev, dealing with the instability of the Soviet Union in the wake of Joseph Stalin’s death. Beautifully shot, and sprinkled with humorous nuances, the film ended up being banned in Russia and several CIS states...
Food
Where Our Chefs Eat: The Ultimate Mans Guide
There’s nothing worse than pining after a dish all day, only to be miserably disappointed when your order doesn’t quite live up to the expectations. With a dizzying array of options dotted around the city, it’s hard to know where to even begin. To avoid a serious case of food disappointment, we spoke to some...
Destination Du Jour – Luxury With An Alibi
We all love a luxury dining experience, one filled with a chic interior, outstanding aesthetic and a complete sensory experience. Alibi restaurant delivers this and more, as Australia’s first ever 100% fully plant-based restaurant. Australia’s first ever 100 percent fully plant-based restaurant, Alibi, opened this March. Located in the Sydney suburb of Woolloomooloo, on the...
The Burger Battle
Each week seems to bring another burger joint opening, but hey, we’re not complaining. But with each new opening comes a new concept, so which fusion, style or flavour do you pick? Better Burger These guys seem to be taking on the city, with the recent opening of their Sylvia Park store showing they have...
Hummingbird Coffee
Roasting coffee since 1990, Hummingbird Coffee is what you seriously need first thing in the morning. Sourcing the best coffee beans from around the world has always been Hummingbird’s philosophy, and they’ve certainly made a name for themselves around the coffee circuit. Based in Addington, Christchurch, the company thrives on freshlymade organic produce from around...
Wine
The Best Reds
Throughout the year we are lucky enough to sample some incredible wines. It is always the best of these wines that we feature in our pages and while we don’t feature every wine we get sent, we are always overwhelmed at the calibre of wines that keep coming through the M2 doors. There are, however,...
The ‘Holy’ Trinity
We get amongst the vines and learn what goes into making Trinity Hill wines Winemaking Wizardry Looking for a new wine to try out? Look no further. We headed down to the Hawke's Bay and caught up with Trinity Hill Wines Chief Winemaker Warren Gibson for a taste test of five of the best wines...
Rock Star Reds
Over the winter months we have covered some of the most outstanding reds from our part of the world. We’ve brought you a selection of some of the best we have tried with ‘bites’ of information that you can share when you bring these wines out at the next occasion. This is the last of...
Chardonnay VS. Chablis
In this issue we compare some of our best New Zealand Chardonnays with their close relatives from the Chablis region of France. The big difference we found was the flinty minerality of the Chablis versus the more dominant fruit flavours that came through in their New Zealand counterparts. To be called a Chablis they must...
Coach Your Way To Success
Bigger than Brexit
The Global Financial Crisis in 2008 was centred on the world having too much debt and yet today there is even more debt and more inequality. We all feel something isn’t right with the world, but the game keeps playing. We simply cannot keep borrowing more, even with low interest rates. Eventually it doesn’t matter...
Want to Get Rid of Bank Fees? Cut out the Middleman – Your bank
One of the best things about my job is constantly being exposed to new and innovating things. Whether it is the latest and greatest marketing campaign, a new piece of technology or the latest iPhone, the space we get to play in every day is constantly changing, always improving and forever on the move. very...
How to Drive Smart Business Decisions Using Data
Increasingly, company leaders are looking to data to inform and guide business decisions. These cold hard facts, when leveraged accurately, help us improve the bottom line while introducing products and features our customers actually want. But just collecting data doesn’t necessarily add value to a business. You must understand what data you are gathering, how...
How Great People Make A Great Company
Behind any successful business, you’ll usually find great people. The business I founded nine years ago, Pure SEO, is no exception. I’m constantly in awe of my team—and often wonder how I’m the one (sort of) running the company! So many of our people are passionate, committed and incredibly driven, which is what I attribute...
Luxury Watches
SEIKO Picks of 2017
Seiko Astron GPS Solar Seiko launched the Astron GPS Solar at Baselworld 2012 and five years onward, the range of Astron GPS Solar calibres continues to grow in line with the ever-widening demand for smart watch technologies. The new 8X42 brings the number of active GPS Solar calibers to four in the Astron range and...
TAG Heuer Picks of 2017
TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T Tourbillon Baguette Diamonds Jack Heuer, great-grandson of founder Edouard Heuer, designed the original Carrera in 1963, inspired by the speed, thrill and edginess in the world of auto-racing. The 2017 Carrera Heuer-02T Tour channels the daredevil bravado of Carrera’s past and injects it with the unabandoned flashiness and swagger of the...
Girard-Perregaux Top Picks of 2017
Laureato Skeleton Girard-Perregaux impresses yet again with the Laureato Skeleton, showcasing a striking transparent design that boldly shows the inner workings of the skillfully crafted Laureato collection. The harmony between interior and exterior is a paramount objective in both architecture and horology, and the Laureato Skeleton displays what happens when the best of two disciplines...
Ulysse Nardin Picks of 2017
Classic Manufacture “Grand Feu” Emphasis on the perfection of finer details showcases a commitment to precision and meticulousness – everything expected from a true upper tier watch. The Ulysse Nardin Classic Manufacture is exemplary in this field with enamel detailing taking centrestage on the dial. Intensive effort goes into achieving the enameling detailing; Ulysse Nardin...
Drink
Single Minded
It might seem to some like sacrilege to sully a good single malt whisky by turning it into a cocktail. Especially, something like a Glenfiddich’s single malt 12 year whisky. But as these two examples prove, it is quite possible to use the sophisticated flavour profile of this wonderful whisky as an accommodating foundation to...
New Whisky Alert: Ardbeg An Oa
It’s Friday, so what do you have lined up tonight? Because heads up for Whiskey lovers, a new Single Malt hit NZ yesterday, the Ardbeg An Oa. Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, says, “Ardbeg An Oa’s rounded and subtly smoky aromas reflect all the contrasts of the Mull...
Que Syrah Syrah
Syrah originated from the northern Rhône region of southeastern of France and is in fact the offspring of two relatively obscure grape varietals Dureza and Mondeuse blanche. While both of these are barely in existence today, Syrah is now the 7th most popular grape in the world, grown across the globe in wine growing regions...
Whisky 101 – A Guide To The Gentlemen’s Drink
We at M2 want you to enjoy this drink right. Whisky has a set of rules and requires etiquette that you must follow so you can experience this drink to the best of its quality. We’ve organised a step-by-step guide for the beginner whisky drinker so that they can experience all that a good whisky...
Authors
Clive Cussler – The Underwater Adventurer
Best-selling author of up to 70 books (and counting), Clive Cussler is a writer with an insanely vivid imagination. Swashbuckling adventures, megalomaniac villains, the electricity of espionage, the excitement of discovering sunken ships…intrigue, action, a snippet of humour – there’s something for every reader in Cussler’s writing. The author of The Mediterranean Caper (1973), Sahara...
Chris Carter – The Hunter And The Hunted
Chris Carter is a crime writer with a long résumé of published works. He is most well-known for his Robert Hunter series of detective novels, which includes An Evil Mind, One By One, The Night Stalker and The Crucifix Killer, all of which have enjoyed big success globally. But dig deeper into his CV, and...
The Author To Know: David Lagercrantz
Best-selling author of I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 11 other well-known titles, Lagercrantz is a man who wears numerous hats. One moment he is a journalist, the next he is a biographer, the next a ghost-writer, then a novelist. A man of sheer talent and verve. Born in Solna in 1962 to Olof Lagercrantz (a...
Stephen King – Author Credit
The infamous 1986 horror novel IT will be seen in a different light the movie hits the big screens this September. We hear from the man, Stephen King himself, about what he thinks of the upcoming iteration. When you watch a film based on one of your books, like IT, do you find yourself thinking...
Book Reviews
THREE BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
Three Days And A Life Pierre Lemaitre Reading this book for me was like watching a great arthouse film. Lemaitre, who Stephen King says is “a really excellent suspense novelist”, had me gripped from the opening pages. I really felt for our lead character and wondered what was he going to do. How do you...
The Books To Read
Typhoon Fury Clive Cussler Juan Cabrillo and the corporation are off on another adventure, this time sees them in Asia. A good old fashioned good guy versus the bad guys with the villain being tough and not to be messed with. This is the 9th Oregon files book, those familiar with the series will know...
Book reviews – March 2018
By Tim Lawrence I haven’t read the first two Orphan X novels, but I did read and review another Hurwitz novel last year, Tell No Lies, where I said: “ The story is set in San Francisco, the hero is a rich kid with a tough, wealthy mother; he gives up everything to marry his...
Books: Must Reads For April
Gallery Of The Dead Chris Carter Robert Hunter, the insomniac genius detective, is back with a novel that fulfills the cover’s proclamation that it is ‘as addictive as a box-set’. I agree, I was bingeing this book at every opportunity. Excellent characters and plot. The Caller Chris Carter Don’t be put off by the tacky...
M2 May 2018 issue
Cool Bikes
A new brand of e-bikes have hit the shelves recently, under the name of Cool Bikes. And yes, they are very cool. E-bikes are slowly becoming more and more the norm when it comes to quick travel on two wheels. Complete with Cruiser-like styles, and additions from top brands such as Samsung and Shimano, these...
Clive Cussler – The Underwater Adventurer
Best-selling author of up to 70 books (and counting), Clive Cussler is a writer with an insanely vivid imagination. Swashbuckling adventures, megalomaniac villains, the electricity of espionage, the excitement of discovering sunken ships…intrigue, action, a snippet of humour – there’s something for every reader in Cussler’s writing. The author of The Mediterranean Caper (1973), Sahara...
Challenge Accepted
The Ferrari Challenge is the widest ranging and most envied one-make series in the world and for the first time ever, it was held in New Zealand. Fittingly, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park played host to a weekend of high performance, high drama and ultimate luxury in an event like no other – and we were...
Samsung “The Wall”
“The Wall” is so much more than just a huge TV set, it’s a massive breakthrough in the development of televised entertainment. It even changes size. Whatever the viewer wants, “The Wall” gives. The world’s first modular MicroLED 146-inch TV featuring self-emitting technology has landed in the market. MicroLED’s are a lot smaller than...
M2 April 2018 issue
Views From The Top
A beautiful image of a polar bear leaping across a stream of crystal-clear blue water. A gathering of squalling seagulls above a passing boat. A birds-eye view of a basketball game. These are the winning photos of last year’s SkyPixel’s Best Aerial Photos award. Sometimes, a photo is more than just a photo. Sometimes, it...
Closing The Gap: Young Blood To Stir Up Formula 1 In 2018
After surprising everyone including himself last season, Kiwi Brendon Hartley’s taste of Formula 1 action has led to a permanent ride for the Red Bull Toro Rosso in 2018 and a realisation of his potential. Going from Palmerston North to the Principality of Monaco is a rather large jump but for the 28 year old...
The Tech Giant: Bringing The Forest To Amazon
Kindle, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Prime, Amazon Go, Alexa… Amazon is ever the innovator, and that’s not even considering the behemoth that is its online shopping platform. And, with CEO Jeff Bezos firmly set as the richest person on the planet, with a net worth of US$120.5 billion, Amazon has decided to celebrate its success...
Wine Guide: Beyond Borders
A Bordeaux wine is any wine produced in the Bordeaux region of south-west France. The area produces predominantly red wines, which the English will often refer to as Clarets. These red Bordeaux wines are generally made from a blend of grapes, with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot being the most common. While the Bordeaux...
M2 MARCH 2018 issue
6 Top Tips For Social Media Success
Social media is a valuable tool to communicate with your customers in a two-way conversation that encourages their engagement around your brand and product. It’s key to make sure you are creating the right content and conversation to help tell your brand story and connect with people in a way that is genuine. We use...
Eating Now A Full Sensory Experience
They say that you eat with your eyes first. Humans are creatures requiring stimulus, and with structured perceptions of what food is. Typically, if we don’t like how food looks, we won’t eat it. ECAL student Erika Marthins is tackling food from a technological perspective, combining movement, noise and light with food to challenge our...
The Future of Work – A Millennial’s View
I’m blessed to work with some incredibly switched-on young people at Pure SEO. With today’s entrepreneur acutely aware of disruption and impending changes to the future of work, I decided to sit down with this month, and understand a little around his thoughts on this. Two years out of Otago University, Nathan has been with...
Man on the Street – Callum Sweeney
Age: 24 Occupation: Marketer at Bookabach and Influencer at Clink Clink Drink What’s your morning routine? I wake up, shower, do my hair and take care of my skin, get dressed, get in a good breakfast and a coffee (or two) and then head to work. Sometimes I will work on my own projects for...
M2 FEBRUARY 2018 issue
Wheels News – February 2018
What you need to know in the World of cars this February. URUS A super sports car soul and the functionality typical for an SUV. Introducing the Urus, the world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle. Produced by Lamborghini, the URUS opens up new possibilities both on and off road! What? Powered by both a jet...
The Edge Of The World
There’s no reason not to love a good holiday. But what if you’re looking for a bit more inspiration from your holidaying experience than you get from a traditional Kiwi bach or tent break? Where to then? We at M2 have compiled a list of the top 6 most architecturally beautiful holiday destinations from around...
The Culinary Experience – Tea Under The Sea
In the deep, dark depths of the southernmost point of the Norwegian coast you will find diverse marine life and wild fauna of the sea – and soon the world’s largest underwater restaurant, Under. Due to open in February 2019, renderings of the project illustrate a building half-submerged into the waters off the coast of...
Office Breakout
Smart components now anticipate individual needs within the workplace resulting in an increasingly energised, efficient, productive and fun environment. Over the holidays I decided to read a few back issues of M2 and came across an article I had written in Issue 134 from July 2016 entitled “NEOCON 2016” about collaboration and well-being in the...
M2 JANUARY 2018 issue
Belkin Pocket Power
Picture the scene. You’ve made it halfway across the world to Machu Picchu, the lactic acid building up that burning sensation in your calves as you trudge up crumbly 600 year old stairs. Triumph! You’ve made it to the top. That other burning feeling in your lungs begins to subside as it’s time for the...
All Things Being Equal – Holden Equinox Launch
Twice a year (March and September), the plane of the earth’s equator passes through the centre of the sun’s disk. The equinox, a derivative of the Latin word aequinoctium – Aequus/Nox (equal/night) is said to be when both day and night are equal. New Plymouth had an equinox pass through it recently. It wasn’t March...
War Rages On
After nearly 40 years and countless trips to the battle zones of Afghanistan, American photographer Steve McCurry has finally finished his latest body of work and book, Afghanistan… and it is nothing short of incredible. In-between living in New York and spending time at his holiday home, McCurry has spent a large part of his career...
Top Cat – Jaguar F-PACE 25D R-Sport
As a kid, the coolest cat I remember was Top Cat or T.C to his close friends. Sporting a mauve pork pie hat and waistcoat, he and his gang of alley cats (Benny the Ball, Choo-Choo, Brain, Fancy Fancy and Spook), ruled Manhattan from their home base in Hoagy’s Alley, pulling high-jinx and tormenting Officer...
M2 DECEMBER 2017 issue - Man of the Year issue
How To Choose A Real Estate Agent
Selling your home is likely to be one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Once you’ve made the decision to sell, one of the first steps to ensuring you get the best price for your home is engaging a real estate agent that knows your area and the type of house you are selling....
Editor’s Letter, December 2017
In reading through the transcript of the interview with our M2 Champagne Bollinger, Man of the Year for 2017, Peter Burling; I was reminded of something that is becoming more and more a consideration lately. The concept of drive. What is it that really gives us the momentum to push through the pain of training?...
The Future Is Looking Up – City Of Tomorrow Symposium
You’d have to have your head in the sand not to know that the world we live in undoubtedly has a few environmental issues, with one of the biggest culprits being our global population and, especially, where it chooses to reside. Estimates predict there will be nine billion of us by 2050 and although there...
Under The Tree
Wit, style and fun are always appreciated when unwrapping any gift. With these original and imaginative design pieces, the enjoyment and good times are made to last. Showtime vases Jaime Hayon, a designer at the forefront of recent Spanish design, has created Showtime Vases combining the traditions and quality of Spanish ceramics with an edgy...
M2 NOVEMBER 2017 issue
Are you changing fast enough to stay relevant?
To let your fears determine what you do will not only limit what you fail at but, more significantly, what you succeed at. A degree isn’t any better or worse than experience, it’s just that a degree is no longer enough. The only way to learn about life is to experience it and that means...
Hugh Jackman – Hollywood’s Favourite Wolf
They say nice guys finish last. Hugh Jackman says otherwise. The do-it-all megastar and face of Montblanc is widely regarded as the nicest man in showbiz. A jack of all trades and master of it all. TV? He’s done it. Hollywood? A bankable star and A-lister. Broadway? Conquered it and added not one, but two Tony...
Cave Man: The Paleo Diet
My good mate Crog is on a Paleo diet. He wants to ‘turn the big stone wheel’ one day. He scavenges fruit and nuts from the bushes surrounding his cave. Think The Flintstones and you’ve got yourself a Crog. The menu for Crog and his Paleo mates are: vegetables, meat of grass-fed animals, nuts, fish,...
Pomp & Happenstance – A Rolls-Royce Experience
As I am sure you smart people already know, Pomp is essentially a ceremony or display and Happenstance is a coincidence; on a recent visit to the UK both these words came together in spectacular fashion. Unfortunately, for many of us, I can safely say that riding in a Rolls-Royce motor vehicle is a very...
M2 OCTOBER 2017 issue
A New Drop
A harvest gold complexion and a fiery-but-curious sweet toffee texture, Ardbeg An Oa is a magical addition welcomed to the Islay Malts. Layered with a plethora of different flavours, the complex whiskey contains an illuminating exploration of age-old techniques. Gathering Vats combine different casks to marry flavours together; the tastes and emotions that Ardbeg have...
Store Your Stuff, Change Your Life
It’s time to remove those items of clothing from the floor and invest in a state of the art wardrobe and storage system that will change your life. As with cars, watches and shoes, it pays to obtain the very best – over time they reward you with not only the pleasure of enjoying a...
The Invisible Illness
If asked, what would you say male mental health looked like in New Zealand? Would you say that it looks well, or that it is struggling? That it needs more funding from the government? Better support? A louder voice? It seems we’ve got one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with males accounting...
Mercedes-Benz GLC A Very Classy Package
Like many other New Zealanders, it’s around about now that I start thinking of my summer holidays. Where to go, where to stay, how to get there and what to do. There are so many options out there and, to be perfectly honest, even when we’ve agreed on a destination, pleasing the family in terms...
M2 SEPTEMBER 2017 issue
11 Most Dangerous Sports
Here are some of the more dangerous activities you could attempt if 1 – you are crazy seriously crazy, 2 – you like to live (or die) on the edge, 3 – you still have insurance cover for your particular dangerous sport and 4 – you believe what you are doing will cure the hiccups....
Olympic Gold. World records. Trophies, championships and banners. After The Win, Where To?
These tangible symbols of victory are all attained through the intangible qualities of the athlete – tremendous dedication, sacrifice, indomitable will and relentlessness towards glory. We hold athletes to high standards, but what’s easy to forget is that for every competitor that wins a medal, there are scores that don’t place, qualify or make the team....
Ryan Returns
The Hitman’s Bodyguard is the perfect example of a movie the critics hate but moviegoers love. It released at the same time as Logan Lucky, which is like a redneck version of Ocean’s 11, even made by the same director, Steven Soderbergh. Logan Lucky is unconventional but still has the fun energy of the Ocean’s films...
OPPO Brings the A77 and A57 To NZ
OPPO has pulled out all the stops on the cameras for their two new phones, released today. The A77 and the A57 are new flagship-level devices with the best selfie front camera. The A77 features a 16MP selfie camera and an Ultra-HD mode which allows users to capture 50 MP images. The A77 also has...
M2 AUGUST 2017 issue
Must Watch This Month
All the blockbusters are dropping around us at the moment and we’re heading on toward the middle of the year. But don’t worry, there won’t be a complete drought. There are a couple decent films coming out to keep us interested. ATOMIC BLONDE Academy award winner Charlize Theron does a gritty and awesome take on...
Destination Du Jour
It’s that time of year when you are in-between tropical holidays and in desperate need to get out of the city, even just for the weekend. While it is winter, New Zealand has some pretty incredible destinations to escape to, and recharge and re-energise yourself to get through the last few cold months of the...
The Monthly Sports Agenda – August 2017
MAYWEATHER V MCGREGOR Not many of us wouldn’t get in the ring with Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather for a reported $180 million US and loudmouth Irishman Conor McGregor has the chance to make some dubious history. The fight between the undefeated Mayweather and the UFC drawcard is set to break all sorts of commercial records and...
The Vision: Beyond Television
For a man that is far more comfortable talking about his team than himself, Cameron Death has a work history that would make even the most charismatic tech guru weep into their kale smoothie. After almost a decade at the headquarters of the company that built the foundation of the tech revolution, Microsoft, he crossed...
M2 JULY 2017 issue
Style News July 2017
We are well and truly settled into the shorter days of winter, meaning the wet, cold and windy weather predominates. Layer up and be warm and cosy, or escape altogether, with some well-deserved travel to sunny shores or skylines of countries enjoying their warm tropical summer. DEADLY PONIES Travel in style with new additions and...
The Rich List
We chat to Josh McKenzie, star of New Zealand’s very own Filthy Rich, which is returning for its anticipated second season. From fitness to charity work, we find out what makes Joshua tick. So you are back for a second season of Filthy Rich, how did you feel when you heard that this second season had been...
Wheels News July 2017
ROLLS-ROYCE ‘SWEPTAIL’ – An $18m COACHBUILDING EXTRAORDINAIRE With the 103EX, Rolls-Royce presented to the world a coachbuilding platform to inspire its future clientele. This Vision Vehicle envisaged a world of completely personal luxury mobility where new technologies would allow every Rolls-Royce to be designed in their owners’ image, should they wish. However, the mere idea...
Disrupting Disruption – The Race to Create the Tools of Innovation
Right now Silicon Valley is churning out disruptive business models left right and centre. But perhaps the biggest isn’t the Internet of Things and Uber. What I’m referring to is the bedrock on which all these amazing things are built. It’s something that is powering some of the biggest applications in the world, pulling in...
M2 JUNE 2017 issue
5 Food Tips That Will Make you Look & Feel Better
You are what you eat. So if you’re like me you’re pretty quick, but mostly garbage. That doesn’t need to be the case, however! There are plenty of easy things we can do with our diet that will make us look and feel like winners. BREAKFAST FOR ENERGY Make sure you start the day with...
Why Having 4 Holidays a Year Will Make You More Productive
M2 Coach Podcast – Why Having 4 Holidays A Year Will Make You More Productive A year is a long time to stay motivated and productive at work – especially if you’ve only got one holiday at the end to look forward to. A few years back, a good mate introduced me to the ‘four...
Style Exclusive: Brace Yourself
Most men are thrill seekers, looking for ways to get adrenaline pumping through their veins, and Luke Bracey, the face of the new fragrance from Ralph Lauren, ‘Polo Red Extreme’, is no exception and possibly the most perfect fit. From skydiving, to rock climbing, to surfing giant waves, Bracey leapt at the chance to perform...
Limited numbers of bottles of this whisky are landing in NZ, here’s when & where to find them
Extending the annual Islay Whisky Festival – Feis Ile – in Scotland slightly, Ardbeg Day will be celebrated in New Zealand on Saturday June 3. The celebrations stretch across the country in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. There will be celebrations along with the official release of the limited edition Ardbeg Kelpie for purchase, paired canapes...
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